Head-to-head comparison
iHeartRadio for Podcasters vs Pocket Casts
Two of the distribution tools podcasters reach for. Here's how they differ on pricing, features, audience, and the trade-offs that actually matter day-to-day.
Submission gateway for one of the largest North American audio networks.
Best for:
Power-user listening app with trim silence and cross-device sync.
Best for: Cross-platform listeners
At a glance
The honest trade-offs
iHeartRadio for Podcasters
Pros
- Reaches in-car and smart TV listeners
- Available across 250+ device categories
- Strong North American footprint for ad pitches
Watch-outs
- Manual review can take one to three weeks
- Discovery favours owned-and-operated shows
- Geo-limited to a handful of markets
Pocket Casts
Pros
- Works across iOS, Android, web, Mac, Windows
- Cross-device sync is fast and reliable
- Free web and desktop apps since 2024
Watch-outs
- Folders and themes still gated behind Plus
- Discovery features stay basic
- Changed owners multiple times, roadmap uncertain
Which one should you pick?
Pick iHeartRadio for Podcasters if
You’re building around . iHeartRadio's directory is worth submitting to mainly because of where it shows up: in-car dashboards, smart TVs, Roku, Xbox. Listeners on those surfaces rarely use a dedicated podcast app, and iHeart is often the default.
Pick Pocket Casts if
You’re building around cross-platform listeners. Pocket Casts is the cross-platform power user pick. Works on iOS, Android, web, and desktop, sync is genuinely instant, and trim-silence and speed controls match what Overcast pioneered.
Also worth comparing
Frequently asked
What does iHeartRadio for Podcasters do better than Pocket Casts?
iHeartRadio for Podcasters's standout is "Reaches in-car and smart TV listeners". Pocket Casts doesn't make that promise — it leans into "Works across iOS, Android, web, Mac, Windows" instead. If the first sentence describes your workflow, pick iHeartRadio for Podcasters; if the second does, pick Pocket Casts.
What are the trade-offs?
iHeartRadio for Podcasters: manual review can take one to three weeks. Pocket Casts: folders and themes still gated behind plus. Whether either matters depends entirely on what you actually need — neither is a deal-breaker by itself.
Do they support the same platforms?
Pocket Casts works on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows where iHeartRadio for Podcasters doesn't. If you're on a specific OS or device, that may decide for you.
Can I use iHeartRadio for Podcasters and Pocket Casts together?
Both are distribution tools so most teams pick one. Some workflows do combine them — for example, using iHeartRadio for Podcasters for one show or episode type and Pocket Casts for another. Worth trying both free tiers before committing.